Sporting news

Carmelo Anthony, who has remained quiet since his free-agency tour started, used his website to confirm that he has agreed to a five-year deal worth more than $120 million with the Knicks.

Under a banner with the words, "My City, My Heart," Anthony explained why his trade to the New York Knicks in February of 2011 was a joyous occasion. Anthony started the announcement by detailing the close connection he shares with the city of New York, his place of birth.

"This organization has supported me and in return, I want to stay and build here with this city and my team," Anthony wrote. "At this pivotal juncture in my career, I owed it to myself and my family to explore all of the options available to me. Through it all, my heart never wavered."

Anthony considered the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks as a free agent, and he praised all the teams he met with, praising them as "quality organizations" and thanking them for their "consideration."

Anthony will return to a Knicks team with the foundation rooted around new president Phil Jackson and coach Derek Fisher. He will have to wait out the 2014-15 season, until Andrea Bargnani and Amare Stoudemire off the books and New York can chase free agents.

"I will always remember this chapter in my life," Anthony said. "In the end, I am a New York Knick at heart. I am looking forward to continue my career in Orange & Blue and to work with Phil Jackson, a champion who builds championship teams. Madison Square Garden is the mecca of basketball and I am surrounded by the greatest fans in the world."

PARSONS GONE

The Houston Rockets have decided not to match the Dallas Mavericks' three-year, $46 million offer for small forward Chandler Parsons, according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.

The Rockets decided they would not be a title contender with a big three of Parsons, Dwight Howard and James Harden. It's ironic because Parsons' recruitment of Howard was a major factor in his decision to join the team last season.

Those within the franchise were torn over the decision, according to Feigen. But, ultimately, Houston decided it would be hard to build with Parsons, Howard, Hardan and Trevor Ariza on large contracts. Ariza's ability on defense also played a part in the team's decision to keep him as the No. 1 option at small forward, Feigen reports.

In Dallas, Parsons will take on a larger role and be paid a contract that matches his talent level. A former second-round pick, Parsons averaged 16.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists and received less than $1 million for the season.

This decision and others, including the Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik trades, free up considerable salary cap space and present an opportunity to add more talent.

DENG DEAL

In an attempt to fill the void left by LeBron James, the Miami Heat have added Luol Deng on a two-year, $20 million contract, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.

Deng will have a player option for the 2015-16 season, which presents an opportunity to explore free agency next summer.

Deng's agent, Ron Shade, spoke with Heat president Pat Riley on Saturday and completed the deal on Sunday, according to the report.

Deng, formerly of the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers, was charged with guarding James for much of his career. After being on the losing side against James and the Heat, Deng now gets to take a seat in James' chair as the small forward in Miami.

Deng will play alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, who signed a five-year, $118 million deal once it was clear that James would return to Cleveland.

Deng will provide a versatile offense and strong presence on defense to pair with a veteran core that competed in the NBA Finals for four straight seasons. Miami is still working to retain Wade, Udonis Haslem and Chris Andersen. They already added Josh McRoberts and Danny Granger via free agency.

HINRICH RETURN

The Chicago Bulls have agreed to re-sign point guard Kirk Hinrich, according to the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson.

Hinrich has played the majority of his career with the Bulls, including nine of his 11 NBA seasons. The Bulls guard added 9.1 points and 3.9 assists over 73 games last season.

In the past, the Bulls have played Hinrich and Derrick Rose together, with Hinrich spelling Rose on the ballhandling and defensive responsibilities.